Straw Bale Gardening

Straw Bale gardening is a simple and innovative way for city dwellers with limited garden space, heavy soils, or contaminated plots, to grow their own food. After a couple of seasons, the straw bale is transformed into a rich, fertile raised bed. As with any raised bed, ease and accessibility are maximized for planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting.


Before planting, the straw bales are heavily amended (1/8”) with a comprehensive organic fertilizer, as well as a nitrogen rich amendment such as blood meal. This is then layered with 10‐12” of compost and topsoil, watered heavily, and covered for two‐three weeks before planting. Finally, we seed directly or transplant into the new garden bed.


Due to it’s mounded shape and ample fertility, the straw bale supports intensive vegetable growing, providing a deep nutrient rich root zone. At the end of the growing season, we are left with tilthy topsoil for next season’s  plantings—or new straw bale!


Tips from Tilth

Watering is key with straw bale gardens. Straw doesn't hold moisture as well as soil. Since the stems of the straw are positioned vertically, the bale can lose water quickly. Consistent deep waterings is crucial for a successful harvest and may be necessary daily during summer heat.

For more comprehensive information on straw bale gardening go to: http://tilth.org/blog/straw-bale-bonanza